THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ALCOHOLICS WITH CITRATED CALCIUM CARBIMIDE (TEMPOSIL)
JACKSON A. SMITH M.D.1,
ELAINE MANSFIELD R.N. M.P.N.2, , and
HOWARD D. HERRICK M.D.3
1 Director of Research, Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, Omaha, Nebr.
2 Chief Research Nurse, Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, Omaha, Nebr.
3 Psychiatric Resident, Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, Omaha, Nebr.
The lack of side-effects and the absence of severe cardiovascular response during a Temposil-alcohol reaction, increase the desirability of treating the alcoholic by interfering with the metabolism of the alcohol. Although this drug is rapidly excreted, there would seem to be question as to whether the patient who decides to drink will be deterred by having to wait a few days longer to start, if he is taking disulfiram rather than Temposil.
Some observers have not regarded the reactions, when the patient taking Temposil drinks, as being sufficiently severe. However, there would seem to be little correlation between the discomfort the patient experiences and the maintenance of sobriety. The methods of treatment which interfere with the metabolism of alcohol are applicable only to the alcoholic who wants help in abstaining, and Temposil seemingly offers this help with the least discomfort–to patient and physician.
